Lionel Messi scored the first FIFA World Cup hat-trick of his career as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their 2026 World Cup Group J opener in Kansas City.
The three goals took Messi’s all-time World Cup tally to 16, drawing him level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the joint-highest scorer in men’s World Cup history.
Messi scored in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes to give defending champions Argentina a perfect start to their campaign.
The performance also came in Messi’s 200th appearance for Argentina and made him the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick.
Argentina will now turn attention to their next Group J fixture as Messi continues his push to become the outright leading scorer in World Cup history.